Help Your Pet Weather the Storm During Hurricane Season

From the second your pet crosses the threshold of your home, it becomes a member of the family.

According to the American Pet Products Association, 65% of homes in the United States have a pet. The most popular pets? Dogs, owned by roughly 54 million American households. Known as “man’s best friend” for good reason, dogs love playing fetch on the beach and running 5Ks or marathons by your side, all the while welcoming you home with a wagging tail every day.

To a dog, his owner is his whole world.

Part of responsible pet ownership includes making sure Fido stays safe – especially during unpredictable and dangerous weather. Now that hurricane season is in full swing until November, start making a plan for how you’ll care for your pet if you’re caught in a storm.

Failing to plan is planning to fail

Extreme weather, such as a hurricane, can happen at any time. It’s a good idea to make an evacuation plan – and practice it – so you, your family and your fur-baby will know what to do and where to go.

And speaking of fur-babies, part of solidifying your evacuation plan should include making note of pet-friendly venues to turn to in the event of a disaster. Your veterinarian or local Humane Society chapter can point you in the right direction for hotels or disaster relief facilities that allow animals.

Ideally, you’ll be able to find a shelter to accommodate you and your furry friend. However, safety is the top priority, even if that means temporarily separating from your pet and boarding him in a kennel.

A barking dog never bites?

Stress can cause an animal to act out aggressively, meaning your pup – rattled by crashes of lightning, heavy rainfall and sudden departure – may not be himself at the kennel or shelter you’ve fled to. To help prevent him from biting someone, keep him on a short leash by your side at all times, but realize that this isn’t a foolproof plan.

Dog bites can be covered under the liability portion of your home insurance policy, even if it happens away from home. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), standard homeowners policies include between $100,000 and $300,000 in liability coverage.

The III also found that providers paid out about $570 million for dog-related injury claims in 2015. How much did the average claim cost? A total of $37,214. Woof.

Don’t forget about putting together a pet emergency kit!

Preparing a pet emergency kit can help keep your pup safe and healthy during – and in the aftermath of – a hurricane.

The American Red Cross recommends including essentials to last your pet at least five days, such as:

•          Food and water. Water lines are sometimes shut off during a severe storm. Even if your water is still running, tap water might not be safe for consumption. Have plenty of bottled water on hand, plastic bowls for eating and drinking and food stored in sealed, watertight containers.
  
•          Medical supplies. If your fur-baby regularly takes flea, heartworm or other types of medication, include it in the kit so your pet doesn’t miss a dose. Compile a simple first aid kit with items such as gauze and antibiotic ointment for addressing minor medical incidents.
  
•          Crate and bedding. Staying in a new environment can be stressful for an animal, but familiar items – such as your pet’s bedding, crate or favorite blanket – can help calm some fears. If you aren’t able to bring a full-sized crate in the event of an evacuation, a travel carrier works just as well.

Keep your pet protected long after the storm passes

After the storm subsides and skies clear, continue to keep your pet safe and healthy by preparing for the unexpected.

To help cover the cost of vet bills if your dog has a health emergency and needs surgery or another expensive procedure, consider purchasing pet insurance well in advance of threatening weather. Policies differ based on breed and health history, so contact your insurance provider to get the coverage that is right for your furry friend.

Shelly White writes for NationwideInsurance.com and HomeInsurance.com, an online resource for homeowners and drivers across the country. Offering automobile and home insurance quotes, consumers rely on HomeInsurance.com for competitive rates from top-rated insurance carriers. The HomeInsurance.com blog provides fresh tips and advice on a range of financial topics to help homeowners and homebuyers make educated decisions about their insurance purchases.